Many of our clients have been outstanding corporate citizens and good teachers in the area of

Ann Hill, CEO

sustainability. Ann Hill Communications has represented some of the pioneers in the green movement, including several of California’s leading solar electric companies, and I have learned to be more sustainable because of them.

In 2003, I installed solar panels on my roof in Marin County, thanks to the efforts of a solar electric client who recruited me to go solar. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted. My electric bill is now $5.00 per month, and I feed electricity back to the grid. I am very proud that, because one of my clients pushed me to do the right thing, I can make this small contribution to reduce my carbon footprint on the planet. (I also eat organic whenever possible, shop at farmer’s markets, and have recycled my hardscape concrete at home into stone walls for my front yard!).

Quite a few of our clients have become what some in the PR business are calling “Greenfluencers”. Greenfluencers are to the sustainable movement what early adapters are to the technology movement. We all

Solar Panels

know them. They are our friends, relatives, and business associates who take an active interest in the environment. They are out front on the trends. They are committed to cloth grocery bags, and driving a Prius. Even more important, they influence the rest of us to buy a certain car, shop in certain stores, or buy organic products.

Here at AHC, one of our staff members has been selected as our green coordinator. We look for small things we can do to make a difference. Here are some of the things that we do corporately:

• Because we order printing for our clients, whenever possible we order recycled paper and soy based inks. One of the printers that we use gives credits for any and all printing on 100% recycled papers. This includes Harbor 100 offset, 100% PC, manufactured in the state of Washington with renewable energy & FSC certified. There is also Catalyst 100% PC newsprint, manufactured in Arizona.
• During the spring and summer, we turn off all the electric lights in the corporate office.
• We turn our computers off at night.
• We recycle all our 8 ½x11 and 11×17 paper by printing on both sides.
• We consume less paper-made goods by using more glass plates and cups.
• We put our building in weekend mode, with no heating/air conditioning, and no lights left on

We all need to do more. How sustainable we can become—quickly—will determine the quality of life for our children and grandchildren.